Croatian-based Nigerian goalkeeper David Nwolokor has agreed with one of the coaches at Football College Abuja, Boris Pučić, that there are no world class players on the Nigeria team.

But he reckons that the likes of Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi and Kelechi Iheanacho will soon step into the shoes of Austin Okocha and Nwankwo Kanu, saying that these young players can cause a stir at the 2018 World Cup.

''It is true that there are no such stars as they used to be, but I would say that many are sad because the generation has changed, Nigeria has a very young and powerful team from which some can absolutely get to the level of Okocha or Kanu earlier, or Obi Mikel in the new future,'' said Nwolokor to sportske.jutarnji.hr.

''I watched some qualifying matches, Nigeria's greatest strength is the young players and I think they are ready to shine at a big competition.

''There is a great deal of merit in the coach, which, of course, knows how to work with young players, has had a long string without defeat, laid a good foundation.''

Nigeria will take on Croatia in their World Cup opener at Kaliningrad Stadium, Kaliningrad on June 16.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel